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Is NU’EST's Aron OK? K-pop singer takes break due to anxiety and fans say #WeLoveYouAron, ‘we'll wait for you’

Pledis Entertainment, NU’EST’s agency, released an official statement saying he has been diagnosed with anxiety and will undergo treatment and recovery

K-pop boy band NU’EST seems to have temporarily lost one of its members. Aron, 27, has taken a break from his official activities due to anxiety. Pledis Entertainment, NU’EST’s agency, released an official statement saying he has been diagnosed with anxiety and will undergo treatment and recovery. 

“We would like to provide some information regarding the health and participation in group activities of NU’EST member Aron. Aron recently underwent a careful medical examination after experiencing symptoms of anxiety,” the statement read.

It further said, “It is the opinion of physicians that Aron requires sufficient rest and recuperation. After the extensive discussion was carried out with Aron and the members of NU’EST, Aron has decided to focus on treatment and recovery with plenty of rest. He will temporarily set aside his official activities, and NU’EST will carry out official promotions for the time being with four members.” NU'EST consists of five members: JR, Aron, Baekho, Minhyun, and Ren. 

The agency also added, “We would like to offer our sincerest apology for this sudden news to all fans who have always shown ceaseless love for NU’EST. We will place the highest priority on Aron’s health and recovery and will continue to strive to ensure the health and safety of our artists.

Requesting fans not to worry or make assumptions, the agency said, “We would like to ask that you refrain from engaging in unnecessary presumptions or misunderstandings regarding Aron’s health and official activities, and we will provide updates on the team’s upcoming activities in a separate notice.”

Who is Aron?

Born as Aaron Kwak on May 21, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, he was quite studious from a young age. The K-pop singer attended Loyola High School and even got the Rookie of the Year Award in 2008 from Daniel Murphy High School. Interestingly, he scored 2180 out of 2400 on the SATs and was even accepted into New York University. Kicking off a major in journalism, he decided to follow his dreams and became a singer. 

Back in 2011, he took part in the Pledis USA Personal Auditions and performed 'So Sick' by Ne-Yo. In his early days, he was seen as a back-up dancer in After School Blue's 'Wonder Boy' and was a part of Pledis Entertainment's Christmas single 'Love Letter'. The very next year, in 2012, he debuted in a band along with four other Pledis Boys as a sub-vocalist. What's more, he also hosted Arirang Radio's Music Access radio program.

How serious is his condition?

No sooner did the news surface online, concerned fans couldn't help but tweet in favor of Aron with the hashtag #WeLoveYouAron. "You are loved by so many who want to see you happy and healthy more than anything. LOVEs, the rest of the members, your family and friends. We'll wait for you," one fan said and another posted, "I might be a new Love but I really do cherish Aron and want him to be healthy and happy. Please take as much time as you need and know that we will always be here for you @NUESTNEWS #WeLoveYouAron."

As for the treatment, psychotherapy and psychological counseling are two ways to reduce anxiety along with anti-depressants. According to the Mayo Clinic, “It’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. However, excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day activities may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.” 

Last year, in November 2019, leader S.Coups of boy band Seventeen, another artist under Pledis Entertainment, took a break due to anxiety.